21 Spring Break Spots That Are Worth the Drive

You don’t have to jet off somewhere warm to make your spring break a memorable one. Spend some time exploring all that California has to offer just a short drive from the Bay Area. We’ve gathered up some of our favorite Bay Area spring break ideas for you—pick one and leave the planning to us!

photo: Kate Loweth

Cruise on Down to the Central Coast

With epic beach towns like Pismo Beach, Avila Beach and Cambria all within a short drive from each other, the Central Coast is a great destination for spring break. Beach days, farm adventures and lots of delicious eats are guaranteed to be on the agenda. Bonus: it's the perfect time to check out the elephant seal pups sunning themselves on the sand.

See the Bay from Marin

We love Cavallo Point Lodge for a staycation destination because it's right on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco and the views are epic. In addition to on-site activities, you can visit the Bay Area Discovery Museum, go fishing, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy running around in the expansive grass.

Take Off to Tahoe

If your idea of the perfect spring break includes fun in the snow, pack up the snow gear and strap on the snow chains and you are ready for a road trip to this winter wonderland. The north shore is full of kid-friendly hotel options like the Timber Creek Lofts at Northstar and the Village at Squaw Valley—both close to restaurants, shops and all the skiing you could want. We love the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe for all of the conveniences they offer from a rad kids club to ski valet so you don't ever have to schlep those skis. If the south shore is more your speed, check out the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. Just steps from the Heavenly gondola, it offers free breakfast, an indoor pool for warming up after a day on the slopes and a nightly happy hour with free drinks and snacks.

Take a Drive Down the Highway 1 Discovery Route

Located between LA and SF, the Highway 1 Discovery Route is made up of ten diverse artisan towns and seaside villages starting just south of Big Sur. Meet the elephant seals in Cambria, visit Hearst Castle and grab a burger on the outdoor patio at Sebastian's.

We love what Carneros Resort is offering this spring break for families including Yoga for Kids and Kids' Aqua Fit, both complimentary for resort guests. Northern California families can use the code LOCAL20 to book a stay at Carneros Resort and you'll get upgraded accommodations (when available) as well as $100 nightly resort credit toward soothing spa treatments, brunch at the famed Boon Fly Café, wine country picnics and more.

For kid-friendly winery options and other must-do activities, read here.

photo: Kate Loweth

Head South to the Santa Ynez Valley

This midway point on your drive to Los Angeles is the perfect spot for an easy spring break destination. There are wine tasting spots that are perfect for kids to run around and restaurants where everyone can join in a game of cornhole before your meal arrives. OstrichLand is a must-do activity and Solvang is the perfect glimpse of a far-away land.

Make Your Way Down to Morro Bay

This quiet, seaside town is an easy three-hour drive south from San Jose and miles away from the hustle and bustle of Bay Area life. Book yourself on a whale watch tour or head out to explore the iconic Morro Rock. Fill up on seafood and saltwater taffy before you head home.

For tips on where to stay and how to spend your days in Morro Bay, click here.

photo: Kate Loweth

Congregate in Concord

This East Bay town is the perfect spot for a Spring Break staycation with gorgeous hiking and loads of family fun around every corner. Spend some time parked by the play structure at The Veranda and then eat your hearts out at Puesto. Todos Santos Plaza is a fun place to run around—there are family-friendly breweries, restaurants and even an arcade in the blocks surrounding the park.

Pass Some Time in Pescadero

Between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz along highway 1 you will find the tiny town of Pescadero tucked in off the road. It offers beaches for sunbathing and wooded state parks for hiking. Stay for the night at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel and then swing by the town for some artichoke garlic bread from Arcangeli Grocery. On your way out of town, stop at Harley Goat Farm to sample their wares and meet the baby goats.

Cozy Up in Calistoga

Grab a burger at Gott's Roadside and learn all about the Tennessee fainting goats at the Old Faithful Geyser when you head to Calistoga this spring. There's a surprising amount of family-friendly activities to keep the busy by day, and lots of hot springs to enjoy when you need a relaxing break.

Wander Over to Yosemite

Yosemite is always the top of our list for spring break travel and this year is no different. We highly recommend Timber Creek Lodge as your home base especially if you can snag one of their new Explorer Cabins. The Explorer Cabins opened this past summer and they are perfect for families as they are less than three miles from the Mariposa Grove South Entrance. Kids will love the opportunity to try out the brand-new Kids Adventure Course that’s located up by the main lodge.

Shack Up in Sea Ranch

Choose from more than 150 options for full-house rentals in Sea Ranch, the picturesque coastal community made up of iconic sea-worn wood homes. Spend the week hiking the cliff-side trails, biking the sleepy private roads or exploring the nearby towns of Bodega Bay and Jenner. Make sure to ask if your rental comes with access to the big pools in the main lodge, and remember to heat up the hot tub upon arrival.

For more info on what to do, where to stay and how to make the most of your drive to paradise (it’s a windy, three-hour cruise up Highway 1 from San Francisco), click here.

Go Back in Time in San Juan Bautista

Gather up your mini history buffs and road trip to California’s oldest city! Visitors to this cool little town are treated to up close views of stars, tasty treats as well as historic museums and a state park where the grounds include an early settler’s cabin, a jail and a blacksmith shop.

Sweet Sacramento

If visiting the state capital was on your bucket list, now you have good reason to go. Sacramento offers lots of family friendly adventures for folks who’ve got train lovers, plane flyers and fairy catchers in the family. And the perfect way to end the day? At one of the many confectioner’s shops. Aww, sweet Sacramento.

Meander Down to Monterey

This summer destination is a great spot to head in the spring for a day of fun or even a long weekend. Sandy beaches, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and a quaint downtown with shopping and eating options for everyone are just a few of the draws. Grab a room at the Monterey Tides where you will be steps from the beach.

More details on what you can do and see in Monterey, Carmel and Pacific Grove can be found here.

Glorious Glamping

Spring weather is unpredictable, but come rain or shine, you and your crew will be happy campers inside your temperature-controlled hideaway. From the yurts at Treebones in Big Sur to the family-friendly hostel at Pigeon Point Lighthouse, there are plenty of nearby spots that offer wilderness and views without the whole sleeping on the ground part.

Set Your Sights on Santa Maria

This valley just north of Santa Barbara offers beaches, scenic views and tons for families who want to be active or just relax during spring break. If you visit on May 3, you can enjoy the annual kite festival with food vendors, music and kites of every size and shape. Families especially love exploring the miles and miles of sand dunes in this area of the coast.

Get Going to Gilroy

Just a short road trip from San Jose, Gilroy boast several fun adventures for families. And none of them have to do with garlic. From theme park rides and a beautiful botanical garden to finding petroglyphs and other indian artifacts, there is something here for everyone. Gilroy Gardens opens in March so it's the perfect time to bring the family.

Make a Run for Mendocino

The Mendocino coast, that glorious spot of white cragged cliffs, a legendary haven for artists and romantics is also a fantastic getaway spot for families. Enjoy a good old-fashioned road trip with a cruise up the coast. Then once you arrive, you can fill your days playing mini golf, visiting llama ranches, hiking in Pygmy forests and hunting out hidden beaches.

Working Farm Weekend

If going totally off-grid sounds like a welcomed respite, then plan some time at one of these working farms. Your hosts will get the kids to gather eggs while you enjoy the fresh air while swinging on a hammock.

Fly (or Drive) South for the Spring

If you are up for more of big trip this spring, Orange County has tons to offer just a short flight or half-day road trip away. Plan at day at Disney or nearby Knott’s Berry Farm, grab some Cuban eats at the newly-opened Porto’s Bakery in Buena Park and explore all of the soft sand of Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach. For a real kid-friendly treat, put on your pirate patch and practice your best “Arggggh!” as you are sworn in to join the pirate crew in Buena Park’s Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. Stay close to the Disneyland action at the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel, or get tucked in by Snoopy himself at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel.

More ideas of what to do in Orange County beyond Disneyland can be found here.